About the theme

Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow up, live, work and age. These conditions influence a person’s opportunity to be healthy, his/her risk of illness and life expectancy. Social inequities in health – the unfair and avoidable differences in health status across groups in society – are those that result from the uneven distribution of social determinants.

Featured indicator

Literacy rate (%) in female population aged 15+ years (Bar chart)

Literacy rate (%) in male population aged 15+ years (Bar chart)

% of population with postsecondary education aged 25+ years (Line chart)

By the midpoint of the Health 2020 implementation period countries have already transformed national health policies in the European Region, with increasing numbers of Member States adopting and implementing its principles and approaches. An updated analysis of the qualitative indicators for monitoring the implementation of Health 2020 policy targets is available.

Health 2020 is the flagship health policy framework for the WHO European Region which aims to support action across society and governments for health and well-being. This evidence-informed and peer-reviewed policy has been embraced by all 53 Member States in the WHO European Region.